DB Cargo is using artificial intelligence (AI) to make the handling of freight wagons before a train journey more efficient. More than 10,000 freight wagons pass through eight large marshalling yards every day. The AI technology analyses the condition and important data of the wagons literally "as they pass". The project is part of the 'Future of Rail Freight Transport' programme funded by the German Federal Ministry for Digitalization and Transport.
This technology is in use in conjunction with the camera bridges which are in place for train passage. DB Cargo has been using these for some time at eight locations for the digital diagnosis of wagons. The bridges are equipped with high-speed cameras and lighting systems that enable the AI to check the wagons for damage. DB Cargo has a total of 13 such camera bridges in Germany. Thanks to AI, defects can be detected more quickly and dealt with more efficiently during operations.
The latest extension of this technology now allows the AI to record and analyze the most important addresses of the goods wagon in a matter of seconds. This includes information that previously had to be checked manually and in a time-consuming manner in the event of deviations, such as tare weight, brakes and loading dimensions. This data is essential for the processes involved in rail freight transport. The use of AI supports staff to speed up operational processes.
